Circle Router Jig: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 10:38, 11 May 2024

When you're routing a hole or recess and want precision, freehanding is not an option. CNC routing may work, but takes a lot of preparation for a one-time cut - so your best option may be a router jig!

Circles

ToolInfoBox Circle Router Jig

Synonyms:	hole cutting jig, circle cutting jig; DE: Fräszirkel
Type:	guidance jig
Used with:	wood screw, Makita DRT50
Location:	below router table
Access Requirements:	read this page

small circle jigs may be included with some routers, let's check and add them here!

Patrick made a 3D printed circle cutting jig for our Makita DRT50. To use, drive a screw through the small disc so the jig can freely spin around this point and set the desired radius by moving the router along the guide rods. Cutting range is ~200-720 mm ⌀ (depending on the router bit used).

more self-built options: look for "circle routing jig" or "Fräszirkel" online!

tip by Wood Magazine on Instagram - advantages: circle size pretty much as small as you want, works with regular base plate/parallel guides, screw for fine tuning (M6: 1 mm/turn!)
"Smart Router Circle Jig" by Marius Hornberger - advantages: easily exchanged routers, no cable tangling (router can rotate freely)

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 When you're routing a hole or recess and want precision, freehanding is not an option. [[CNC Routing|CNC routing]] may work, but takes a lot of preparation for a one-time cut - so your best option may be a router jig!
-== Rectangles ==
-{{ToolInfoBox
-|tool name=Rectangle Router Jig
-|image=rectangle router jig.JPG
-|synonyms=adjustable rectangle routing template
-|type=guidance [[jig]]
-|used with=[[clamps]], TX 30 [[Torx Keys|key]] or [[screwdriver]];<br>[[router]], [[Copying Rings|copying rings]] (optional)
-|location=[[Location::Wood Workshop]] (next to [[Router Table|router table]])
-|access=read this page
-|tutors=[[User:Lukas|Lukas]]
-|similar=
-}}
-We have some very handy flat [[Aluminum Extrusions|aluminum extrusions]] that {{£}} saved from the trash because of their jig potential: they can interlock with each other at 90 degrees at any length!
-Before assembly, you will need to calculate the desired inside measurement. This depends on the way you'll use it:
-* using a router ''within'' the jig:
-** <code>inside<sub>(jig)</sub> = inside<sub>(hole/recess)</sub> + router base diameter - router bit diameter</code>
-** advantages: maximum depth usable, clamps are not in the way of your movement
-** disadvantage: large enough workpiece area needs to be availabe (easier with a [[Palm Router|palm router]]), router bases are usually not evenly round
-* using a router with [[Copying Rings|copying ring]] ''on top'' of the jig
-** ''please double-check, not tested!'' <code>inside<sub>(jig)</sub> = inside<sub>(hole/recess)</sub> + copying ring diameter - router bit diameter</code>
-** advantages: even guidance no matter how you turn the router, also works close to the workpiece's edge
-** disadvantages: harder to clamp the jig down without obstructing the machine, loss of routable depth, only possible if copying ring is flatter than the jig
-Then, make sure to '''[[clamp]] the jig down securely''' before starting your cut and you'll get great results!
-[[File:router jig with jigsaw.JPG|thumb|right|200px|this router jig can also be used with a [[jigsaw]], but ''at least'' the corners won't turn out nearly as nice]]
-[[File:Slot with rectangle router jig.jpg|thumb|the jig is very handy if you need slots that are a bit wider than your [[Router Bit|router bit]]]]
-=== Future Improvements ===
-* it would be very handy to keep a dedicated [[Torx Keys|Torx key]] in the same place as the jig
-* maybe we could add precise rulers for easier setup - e.g. glued on or engraved somehow?
-<br clear=all>
 == Circles ==